Job 9:14

14 How great am I, that I answer to him, and speak by my words with him? (How great am I, that I answer him, and say my words to him?)

Job 9:14 Meaning and Commentary

Job 9:14

How much less shall I answer him
Who is wise in heart, and mighty in strength, and has done and does the many things before related; who is invisible, passes by, and onwards insensibly; so that there is no knowing where to speak to him, or how to guard against him, since he can come on on every side, at an unawares, and unseen; and who is a sovereign Being, who can do, and does, whatever he pleases; and therefore there is no such thing as disputing any point with him, or calling him to an account for anything done by him: and if the great men of the earth, proud and haughty tyrants, and those prouder spirits, if possible, the infernal principalities and powers, are obliged to bend and stoop to him; how should such a poor, weak, feeble creature as Job was, enter the lists with him, contend with God, and argue with him about his dispensations, or answer to any argument, objection, charge, or article exhibited against him? here Job speaks humbly and meanly of himself, as he in the whole context before speaks highly of God, between whom there was no comparison:

[and] choose out my words [to reason] with him?
suggesting, that should he pick out words the most fit and proper to be used, and put them together in the most exact order, and which had the greatest force of persuasion and strength of reasoning in them, yet they would be of no avail with God; these could have no influence upon him to turn his mind, or alter either his purposes or his providences; and therefore concluded it was best for him to be silent and make no reply; but if he said anything, to do it in a supplicating way, as follows.

Job 9:14 In-Context

12 If he asketh suddenly (If he suddenly asketh), who shall answer to him? either who may say to him, Why doest thou so?
13 He is God, whose wrath no man may withstand; and under whom they be bowed, that bear the world (who carry the world).
14 How great am I, that I answer to him, and speak by my words with him? (How great am I, that I answer him, and say my words to him?)
15 Which also (I) shall not answer to him, though I have anything just; but I shall beseech my judge to spare me. (Which even though I am just, I shall not answer him; but I shall still beseech my judge to spare me.)
16 And (even) when he hath heard me inwardly calling him, I believe not, that he hath heard my voice.
Copyright © 2001 by Terence P. Noble. For personal use only.